Police: Ohio State back's case officially closed

COLUMBUS, Ohio 
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says running back Carlos Hyde is suspended for at least the first three games of the regular season and will be required to meet additional obligations before he plays again for the Buckeyes.

Hyde had been suspended indefinitely after he was named a person of interest in an investigation into an alleged assault of a woman at a downtown Columbus bar. But police announced earlier Tuesday that the case had been dropped.

Hyde, a 6-foot-2, 242-pound senior from Naples, Fla., scored 17 touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes to a 12-0 record last fall. He gained 970 yards on 185 carries.

Ohio State opens its fall camp on Sunday. The Buckeyes' opener is Aug. 31 against Buffalo at Ohio Stadium.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

A little over a week after he was suspended by Ohio State coach Urban Meyer for an alleged assault against a woman, running back Carlos Hyde had his case dropped on Tuesday by Columbus police.

Police spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner said the alleged victim chose not to pursue charges against the Buckeyes' leading scorer and second-leading rusher a year ago.

"We were in the middle of our investigation," Weiner said. "The most important thing left to do was interview the (alleged) victim. She met with investigators on Saturday and informed officers that she didn't want to pursue charges."

Weiner said the case against Hyde was officially closed.

Hyde had been suspended from all team activities in the wake of the incident, which occurred July 20 at a downtown bar. Ohio State and Meyer did not immediately offer comment on whether Hyde will be reinstated to the team.

Hyde, a 6-foot-2, 242-pound senior from Naples, Fla., scored 17 touchdowns and 102 points to lead the Buckeyes to a 12-0 record last fall. He gained 970 yards on 185 carries, coming within 30 yards of becoming the first running back in Meyer's coaching career to reach 1,000 yards in a season.

At the time of his suspension - the same day three other Buckeyes were disciplined for off-the-field legal problems - Meyer said, "I have a clear set of core values in place that members of this football program are constantly reminded of and are expected to honor. There are also expectations with regard to behavior. I expect our players to conduct themselves responsibly and appropriately and they will be held accountable for their actions."

The alleged victim approached police officers early on July 20 and said she was assaulted inside a bar at 303 S. Front St. Police looked into the allegation but Weiner said the case came to an end when she declined to pursue charges.

Ohio State opens its fall camp on Sunday. The Buckeyes' opener is Aug. 31 against Buffalo at Ohio Stadium.

In addition to Hyde, the other players disciplined on July 22 were star cornerback Bradley Roby and freshmen recruits Marcus Baugh, a tight end, and defensive lineman Tim Gardner. Each was involved in a separate incident.